Ky. school safety program's budget slashed

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Funding for a school safety program in Kentucky has been cut by almost 60 percent over the last five years.

The Courier-Journal reports funding for the Safe Schools Program has decreased from $10.4 million in 2007-2008 to $4.5 million in the current school year. The funding cut has led to less safety audits being performed at schools around the state by the Kentucky Center for School Safety.

Some state lawmakers and education leaders say the cuts need to be reviewed in light of shootings last week at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, where when a gunman killed 20 children and six adults.

Officials say schools in Kentucky are safe, but they want to examine the cuts.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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